Confused about all the different types of carpets available and how to select the right one? In this episode, Frances outlines different carpet types, from twist to plush to loop pile, along with carpet weights and fibres and how to choose one over another. Further, she chats through the important aspect of what colour carpet to choose, and dispels all the misnomers about having a dark carpet to hide stains.

There are so many different options available when it comes to choosing benchtops for kitchens, laundries and bathrooms. With new materials launching all the time.

In this Forever Home Live Frances runs through the main considerations when selecting your benchtops.

Frances runs through the criteria and parameters around the Australian Government’s Home Builder Scheme, and who is eligible for the $25K grant.

She also discusses window splashbacks for above a stove. The likes and dislikes about this scenario.

Why is flooring so important? In this Forever Home Live Frances discusses why choosing your floor first is critical to getting all your material choices right. Floors take up a lot of budget, cover a large area and need to work super hard, so get the low down on floors in this episode.

In this Forever Home Live Frances discusses the topic of a sink in your kitchen island bench and outlines the advantages and disadvantages of a sink in the bench. This episode will allow you to make an informed choice on which is the best option for you.

SHOW NOTES

In this Forever Home Live Frances discusses the topic of a sink in your kitchen island bench and outlines the advantages and disadvantages of this as an option in your kitchen design.

Things to consider with a sink  in an Island Bench;

Water Splashing

A sink inevitably means water splashing, which is not ideal for a food prep area, or when people are sitting at your bench.

Visual Dirty Dishes

Having the dirty dishes for all to see and "in the face" of someone sitting at the island is not ideal. The clean up area around your sink is not conducive to a lovely clean island bench aesthetic

It obstructs a large lineal area

Island benches serve different purposes- a buffet, breakfast bar andfood prep area. With a sink in this large lineal space, it obstructs your largest lineal area in the kitchen. Additionally, it prevents people from being able to sit at the bench where the sink is, so you’re losing seating too

Not all kitchen designs have the luxury of having enough space for the sink to be off the island bench. It’s that’s the case, keep the sink to one side of the bench rather than in the middle. Retain as much lineal space as you can.

Available Resources

Need help with your Kitchen design? Book a Chat with Frances to see how we can help.  or you may check our Kitchen Bliss service. 

Related Resources

How to Choose the Right Benchtop

Top 5 Tips for Selecting Benchtops

Toilets may not be the sexiest subject to discuss, however they are still an  essential element  when renovating or creating your Forever Home.

This episode covers the differences between toilet styles and types of toilets so you can decide on  type of toilet is the best for you. Not all toilets are the same, and Frances covers rimless, back to wall, hidden cistern and floating pan options.

Back to Wall toilets

Back to Wall toilets have a visible cistern.  It's entire toilet system that  goes back against the wall, hence why it's called back to wall. Available with a  ceramic  or plastic cistern. This type of toilet most cost effective toilet systems, however they do come in a wide variety of styles and budgets.

Rimless toilets

Rimless toilets allow for easier cleaning, as well as having a more internal streamlined and simplified aesthetic. Being rimless, they are easier to clean, and more  hygienic as dirt does not get trapped under the rim,  Most rimless toilets use a direct flush technique which means flushing doesn't come from underneath the rim.  

Rimless toilets are generally more expensive than a standard back to wall toilet, particularly if you’re after a particular brand. Expect to pay a few hundred dollars more for a rimless style toilet.

Hidden Cistern

Hidden cisterns are normally hidden within the wall cavity. The pan is exposed but the cistern is hidden with flushing operated via a flush plate on the wall.  It requires less space so their shorter length makes them ideal for smaller style powder rooms or tight spaces.

Compared to traditional back to wall toilets, they  are more expensive with the different elements  purchased individually- pan, flush plate and cistern. In addition, they also require additional work to install which can increase  the installation cost.

Some people prefer the aesthetic of a hidden cistern, making the overall look of the toilet less bulky, but this is a personal preference.

Floating Pans

Floating Pan operate with a hidden cistern. Instead of the pan being on the floor, it is wall mounted and floating off the floor. It again created a more steamlined look, and makes floor cleaning easier.  

Floating pan and hidden cistern are the most  expensive option.

Things to consider in choosing Toilets;

Price

Toilets can be anywhere from $300 upwards of $2000 depending on its, brand, components and and aesthetic.

Interchangeable seats

Most toilets have interchangeable seats. Make sure you get one that has a click mechanism to easily take them off for cleaning. 

Size and height

For easy accessibility some clients prefer toilets that are a little bit higher than standard. It makes it easier as you get older to get back up, and also for tall people.

Available Services

It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the amount of decisions that need to be made when creating stylish, functional and durable  bathrooms.

With our help, your bathroom renovation will be far less stressful, and the results will stand the test of time. Interested? Book a FREE 15-minute chat with Frances today! 

You may also book an initial consultation to start the process of renovating or building your new home or get one-off advice to finish your home.

Related Resources

Australian House and Garden Top 50 Rooms Award

In This Forever Home Live Frances discusses the importance of spatial planning and how it affects other choices and selections in your home. She discussed the importance of conducting this at floorplan stage and the reason why. #foreverhome #newhome #newbuild #renovation #homeplanning #ownerbuilder

Don’t leave your joinery drawings until you’re part way through the build. Frances outlines why this is not ideal, and what you can achieve in completing internal elevations and joinery drawings before building. She outlines how you can save money, compromises you can avoid, and why you’ll get a much better result with them. #foreverhome #newhome #newbuild #renovation #homeplanning #ownerbuilder

Choosing internal and external paint colours for your home is not as easy as it seems. There are many factors to consider to ensure you get it right and asking an online forum is not the ideal method to getting the right colours for your home. Frances chats through what to consider to get it right and how not all colours are the same.

In this Forever Home live, Frances outlines her view on the top 3 trends for 2020 and what will be with us to stay.

#foreverhome #newhome #newbuild #renovation #homeplanning #ownerbuilder #trendsin2020 #style